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Home Dashboard Warning Lights Kia Dashboard Warning Lights

Kia Dashboard Warning Lights

Through generations of car models, our vehicles have become increasingly complex. To obtain reliability and efficiency, on-board computers and sensors are used to maintain and monitor vehicle systems.



With such complexity, comes complications and failures. These issues are displayed to the driver via dashboard lights and symbols. Audible sounds may also be used on occasion.

Kia dashboard warning lights are a combination of universal recognised symbols and symbols unique to Kia. The colour of the light will typically signify the importance or severity of the issue. Green and blue lights inform the driver that a system is active, such as full beam headlights (blue) or that cruise control is active (green) for example.

Attention should be paid to orange / amber and in particular red symbols. An amber symbol will signify that something requires attention soon, such as a non-urgent issue on the vehicle or an engine service. Red is used to signify something more urgent such as low oil levels or engine temperatures running hot. Flashing lights accompanied by an audible sound signify immediate attention where potential harm to vehicle or driver / passengers may ensue.

Below details Kia dashboard warning lights and symbols with pictures, an explanation of the symbol along with the appropriate action that should be taken. The Kia dashboard lights on this page cover models:

Kia Models  
Kia PicantoKia pro_cee’dKia Sedona
Kia RioKia OptimaKia Forte
Kia SoulKia CarensKia K900
Kia VengaKia Sportage
Kia Cee’dKia Sorento


Kia ECO dashboard warning light

ECO

Active ECO Indicator

Not equipped on all models. When the active ECO is operating the ECO indicator illuminates green. The ECO system is designed to encourage eco-driving by providing feedback to the driver. The ECO symbol assists you to drive in the most economical method. The green indicator comes on when driving at high fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency depends on driver’s habits, weather and road conditions.


Kia air bag dashboard warning light

Air Bag

Kia Air Bag Warning Light

Warning symbol will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when ignition is switched to the ON position. Light also comes on when SRS has a fault. If the air bag warning light does not come on at ignition, or continuously remains on after running engine for after 6 seconds, we recommend that the system be inspected by an authorised Kia dealer. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?


Kia seat belt dashboard warning light

Seat Belt

Seat belt warning and chime light

Serves as a reminder to the driver to secure seat belt. The seat belt warning light will flash or illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch ON regardless of belt fastening.


Kia Immobiliser indicator dashboard warning light

Immobiliser

Immobiliser Indicator Warning Light

Without smart key system – Symbol illuminates when the immobiliser key is inserted and turned to the ON position to start the engine. You can start the engine and the light goes out after the engine is running. If this symbol flashes when the ignition switch is in the ON position before starting the engine, it’s recommended that the system be seen by an authorised Kia centre.
With smart key system – If any of the following occurs in a vehicle equipped with the smart key, the immobiliser symbol illuminates, flashes or goes out. 1. When the smart key’s in the vehicle, if the engine start/stop button’s in the ACC or ON position, the symbol will light for around 30 seconds to indicate that you are able to start the engine. However, when the smart key is not in the vehicle, if the engine start/stop button is pressed, the symbol will flash for a few seconds to indicate that you are not be able to start the engine. 2. If the symbol illuminates only for 2 seconds and goes out when the engine start/stop button is turned to ON position with the smart key in the vehicle, it’s recommended that the system be seen by an authorised Kia centre. 3. When the battery is weak, if the engine start/stop button is pressed, the symbol will flash and you are not able to start the engine. However, you are able to start the engine by pressing the engine start/stop button directly with the smart key. Also, if the smart key system related parts have a problem, the symbol will flash.





Kia key out dashboard warning light

Key Out

When the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ACC or ON position, if any door is open, the system checks for the smart key. This indicator symbol flashes when the smart key is not in the vehicle and any door is open with the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop
button in the ACC or ON position. If you close all doors, the chime will also sound for around 5 seconds. The light will go off while the vehicle is moving.


Kia low fuel level dashboard warning light

Low Fuel

Low Fuel Level WARNING LIGHT

The low fuel warning light indicates the fuel tank is almost empty. When it comes on,  add fuel as soon as possible. Driving with the fuel level warning light on or with the fuel level below “O/E” can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter if equipped with one.


Kia EPS (Electronic Power Steering) dashboard warning light

EPS

EPS (Electronic Power Steering) WARNING LIGHT

The steering wheel with exclamation mark (EPS) light comes on after the ignition key is turned to the ON position and then it will go out shortly if system is operating correctly. If it comes on whilst driving or remains on after engine ignition, we recommend that the system be seen by an authorised Kia dealer. Vehicle can still be used, though steering may become more difficult.


Kia AFLS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) dashboard warning light

AFLS

AFLS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) WARNING LIGHT

If the AFLS malfunction symbol illuminates, the Adaptive Front Lighting System is not working properly. Drive to the nearest safe location and restart the engine. If the symbol continuously remains on, it’s recommended that the system be seen by an authorised Kia technician.





Kia parking / brake fluid dashboard warning light

Brake

PArking Brake / Brake Fluid WARNING LIGHT

This symbol illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position. The warning light should go off when the parking brake is released. If the light remains on, it may indicate that the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low. In this situation, drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle and turn off the engine. Check the brake fluid level and add fluid if applicable. Check around brake components for any leaking fluid. If leaks are found, do not drive vehicle and contact a Kia technician.


Kia EPB (Electric Parking Brake) dashboard warning light

EPB

EPB (Electric Parking Brake) WARNING LIGHT

The EPB malfunction light will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON, but should go off after around 3 seconds. If the warning symbol does not illuminate, or continuously remains on, have system checked with Kia technician. The EPB malfunction light may
illuminate when the ESC light (see below) comes on to indicate that the ESC is not working correctly. If this occurs, it does not indicate the EPB has a failure.


Kia ESC (Electronic Stability Control) dashboard warning light

ESC

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) WARNING LIGHT

The ESC symbol will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON, but should go off after around 3 seconds. When the ESC is active, it monitors driving conditions. Under normal driving conditions, the ESC indicator will remain off. When a slippery or low traction condition is encountered, the ESC will operate, and the ESC indicator will blink to indicate ESC is active. If ESC system malfunctions the symbol stays on. In this situation, contact a Kia dealership.


Kia Anti-lock brake system (ABS) dashboard warning light

ABS

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) WARNING LIGHT

Symbol illuminates on ignition and goes off in approximately 3 seconds if the system is operating normally. If the ABS warning light remains on, comes on whilst driving, or does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, this indicates that there may be a problem with the ABS. In this situation, contact your Kia dealership. The normal braking system will still be operational, but without the assistance of the anti-lock brake system. See why is the ABS light on for further information.





Kia Anti-lock brake system (ABS) dashboard warning light

ABS

Kia parking / brake fluid dashboard warning light

Brake

ABS / Braking System Dashboard WARNING LIGHTs

If two warning lights illuminate at the same time whilst driving, your vehicle’s ABS and EBD system may have malfunctioned. In this case, your ABS and regular brake system may not work normally. You may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high speed driving and abrupt braking. You should contact your Kia dealership immediately. Also, the speedometer or odometer/tripmeter may not work, the EPS warning light may illuminate and the steering effort may increase or decrease.


Kia auto stop indicator dashboard warning light

Auto Stop

Auto stop indicator DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS

Symbol will illuminate when the engine enters the Idle Stop mode of the ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system. When automatic starting occurs, the auto stop indicator on the cluster will blink for 5 seconds. For vehicles equipped with instrument cluster type B, the indicator illuminates on the LCD display. When the engine automatically starts by the ISG system, some warning lights (ABS, ESC, ESC OFF, EPS or Parking brake warning light) may turn on for a few seconds. This happens because of low battery voltage. It does not mean the system is malfunctioning.


Kia battery charging system dashboard warning light

Battery

Battery Charging DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS

Illuminated symbol indicates a malfunction of either the generator or electrical charging system. If the warning light comes on whilst the vehicle is in motion you should drive to the nearest safe location and with the engine off, check the generator drive belt for looseness or breakage. If the belt is adjusted properly, a problem exists somewhere in the electrical charging system. At this point, you should contact your local Kia dealership. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.





Kia TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) dashboard warning light

TPMS

TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) WARNING LIGHTS

The low tyre pressure symbol comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. The low tyre pressure and position symbol illuminates when one or more of your tyres is significantly underinflated. The TPMS malfunction indicator will illuminate after it flashes for around one minute when there is a problem with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. In this situation, you should contact a Kia technician.


Kia engine oil pressure dashboard warning light

Oil Pressure

Engine Oil Pressure WARNING LIGHTS

This warning symbol indicates the engine oil pressure is low. If the symbol illuminates whilst driving, pull over and stop as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Once stopped, check engine oil levels and if low, add engine oil. If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, call a Kia dealership before starting the vehicle. Do not continue journey if light remains on as severe damage could result to the engine.


Kia engine oil level dashboard warning light

Oil Level

Low ENGINE OIL Level WARNING LIGHTS

The engine oil level warning light illuminates when the engine oil level should be checked. If the warning light comes on, check the
engine oil level as soon as possible and add engine oil if levels are low. Use recommended oil in vehicle manual and pour slowly using a funnel. (Oil refill capacity :approximately 0.6 ~ 1.0 l) Do not overfill oil level so that it is not above F mark on the dipstick. If light remains on after replenishing levels, contact Kia dealership.


Kia cruise control dashboard warning light

Cruise Control

Cruise Control LIGHT Indicator

Symbol illuminates when the cruise control system is enabled. The cruise indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated when the cruise control ON-OFF button on the steering wheel is pushed. The indicator goes off when the cruise control ON-OFF button is pushed again.





Kia Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) dashboard warning light

Advanced Cruise Control

Kia Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) Radar Warning Light dashboard warning light

Cruise Control Radar

Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) LIGHT INDICATOR

This dashboard warning light illuminates when there is a malfunction with advanced smart cruise control system if equipped on your vehicle. In this situation, have your vehicle inspected by a Kia dealership. If the cruise control radar light illuminates, it indicates the radar of cruise control is covered or stained. Uncover or remove stains.


Kia SET dashboard warning light

SET

Cruise SET indicator LIGHT

Symbol illuminates when the cruise control switch (SET- or RES+) is ON. The cruise SET indicator in the instrument cluster lights when the cruise control switch (SET- or RES+) is pushed. The cruise SET indicator does not illuminate when the cruise control cancel button O is pushed or the system is disengaged.


Kia Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) dashboard warning light

MIL

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Warning Light

This symbol is part of the Engine Control System which monitors various emission control system components. If this symbol illuminates on the dashboard whilst driving, it suggests that a potential problem has been detected somewhere in the emission control system. This symbol will also come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and will go out shortly after the engine has started. If it illuminates whilst driving, or does not illuminate when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, contact Kia dealer. Vehicle will generally be safe to drive, though prolonged driving with the Emission Control System Malfunction Indicator Light illuminated may cause damage to the emission control systems which could effect drivability and/or fuel economy. Prolonged driving with a petrol engine may cause catalytic converter damage. When the malfunction indicator light flashes, it may stop after driving the vehicle at more than 60km/h (37 mph) or at more than second gear with 1500 ~ 2000 engine rpm for a certain time (for about 25 minutes).


Kia engine temperature dashboard warning light

Engine Temp

Engine Temperature WARNING LIGHT

This dashboard warning symbol illuminates if the temperature of the engine coolant is above 120±3°C (248±5.4°F). If light illuminates, pull over and turn off engine as soon as safe to do so. Allow engine to cool for around 20 minutes and check coolant levels. Continuing to drive whilst engine is too hot can cause irreparable damage to the engine. Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.





Kia fuel filter dashboard warning light

Fuel Filter

Fuel Filter WARNING LIGHT

Warning light illuminates for 3 seconds after the ignition switch is set to the ON position and then it will go out. If it lights up whilst the engine is running, it informs that water has accumulated inside the fuel filter. When the fuel filter warning light comes on, engine power (vehicle speed & idle speed) may decrease. If continual driving with the warning light on, damage to the vehicle’s engine parts and injection system of the Common Rail may occur. You will need to remove the water from the fuel filter. Have system serviced.


Kia master warning dashboard light

Master Warning

Master WARNING Dashboard LIGHT

The exclamation mark contained in a triangle is the Kia master warning light. This warning symbol informs the driver of the following situations: – Low washer fluid – TPMS – Blind Spot Detection (BSD) – Fuel cap open – Service required. The Master Warning Light illuminates when more than one of the above warning situations occur. If the warning situation is solved, the master warning light will be turned off.


Kia Frost Warning (snowflake) dashboard warning light symbol

Ice (Snowflake)

Frost WARNING Dashboard LIGHT

The Kia snowflake light is a frost/ice indicator and warns that the road conditions are likely icy. The snowflake light will usually illuminate in amber at around 4°C (39°F) and may appear in red when colder. On the Kia, the icy road snowflake symbol will typically flash for 10 seconds until becoming stable and is often accompanied by a warning alarm or chime that can be annoying and distracting to many drivers. Unfortunately, there is no way to disable the alarm.


Kia Autonomous Emergency Braking Warning Light

Autonomous Emergency Braking

Autonomous Emergency Braking LIGHT

The Kia Autonomous Emergency Braking system (AEB)  uses a radar sensor located under the registration plate on the front of your vehicle, along with a camera located at the top centre of the windscreen that is always monitoring the road ahead. If the system detects another vehicle or pedestrian and senses a collision, the brakes are automatically applied to help reduce impact. If this warning light comes on, check to ensure all sensors are clean from dirt or road debris. If the warning light remains on, a sensor may be damaged or faulty.


Kia directional indicators dashboard light

Indicators

kia-front-fogs-dashboard-warning-light

Front Fogs

Kia rear fog lights dashboard light

Rear Fogs

Kia rear low beam dashboard light

Low Beam


Kia high beam dashboard light

High Beam

Kia Light on dashboard light

Lights

Kia boot open dashboard light

Boot Open

Kia glow indicator dashboard light

Glow Light







Driving Test Tips
Comments: 18
  1. Josh
    at

    None of these are the lightbulb with an x and the worst part is that it’s red and idk what it means

    ReplyCancel
  2. Au Gold
    at

    check your brake lights in the back. it sounds like the indicator for a bulb out

    ReplyCancel
  3. G
    at

    There is one that looks a little bit like this [B] and I can’t find anything about it. It shows when I scroll through the options on my middle display. First option is miles left in fuel, next is this. Any ideas? Thanks

    ReplyCancel
  4. Lorraine
    at

    It’s a lock light that lights up on dash???has x in middle , parallelogram on top of x & fat H on bottom … what is it???2016 KIA sportage???

    ReplyCancel
  5. darrell clarke
    at

    Hi all i have a kia ceed 2009 1.6 diesel my interior light bulb popped and when i took it out it sparked i have replaced it but it wont still work also the remote locking as stopped working the car symbol on the dash as a red bar flashing near the boot as well as the trip mileage keeps resetting as anyone any ideas what could be the problem thanks darrell

    ReplyCancel
  6. darrell clarke
    at

    I have sorted it now folks for future referance its the double fuse in the yellow holder 2nd row across 5th fuse down

    ReplyCancel
  7. Keith Jamieson
    at

    Driving a kia sportage and the yellow sport light has come on wondering what to do/
    Keith

    ReplyCancel
  8. Devil
    at

    This really helped 666

    ReplyCancel
  9. Dawn
    at

    My 2017 Kia Rio made a warning sound, then what looks like a road with a snowflake in front of it appeared above the shift position indicator. It’s in red. I can’t anything about this one.find a

    ReplyCancel
  10. Annette Barlow
    at

    My Kia Picanto has two warnings. T first is to the right of the revs and second the left of the mileage counters
    both bright YELLOW.

    The first is a star above half the outline and a full outline of a car. WITH A YELLOW OBLONG UNDERNEATH???

    Any ideas please??

    the other is an exclamation inside a triangle.

    ReplyCancel
  11. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Annette,
    From what you are explaining, it sounds like the Kia Autonomous Emergency Braking system / warning light. This warning light has been added towards the end of the page. The triangle is a master warning light that may come on with another fault / warning light.

    ReplyCancel
  12. Leanne
    at

    Y is my KIA sportarge 2012 saying auto break disconnected

    ReplyCancel
  13. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Leanne,
    I would think it’s something blocking the radar and/or the camera sensor. Check these are clean and have clear view. The camera sensor is located on the outside of the windscreen where the interior mirror is and the radar is on the front grille.

    ReplyCancel
  14. Connie Winchell
    at

    My kia sportage dash light with an exclamation point in triangle comes on when I’m in reverse and the parking assist (P) button lights up

    ReplyCancel
  15. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Connie,
    I would think it’s an issue with the sensors located in the rear bumper. If they are obscured or have received a knock, they may not work properly.

    ReplyCancel
  16. Ash
    at

    In my 2018 Kia Niro I have had a light come on above how many miles you can go. It has a car, and an arrow pointing to a gas pump. This is not the gas pump that shows you which side to fuel up on. I’ve searched and searched and cannot find an answer.

    ReplyCancel
  17. AZM Automotive
    at

    In reply to Josh.

    You have a parking light out.

    ReplyCancel
  18. Christine wolliter
    at

    In reply to Ash.

    Wat does this lightmean

    ReplyCancel

Leave a Reply to Au Gold Cancel reply

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